La Liga president Javier Tebas has launched a sharp critique of FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, accusing the governing body of planning a World Cup expansion that would 'destroy' soccer and urging a shift toward national competitions.
Tebas's Criticism
Tebas argues that the sport's future should be built around national competitions rather than a bloated global tournament, describing the proposal to increase the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams as reckless and unsound.
The Spanish executive points to the recent edition in which Spain captured the championship by beating Argentina 1-0, emphasizing that the sport's health depends on robust domestic leagues and national teams.
Implications for the Tournament
He notes that this summer's tournament featured 48 nations under an expanded format, yet he remains skeptical that adding another 16 teams would improve the competition, insisting instead that fewer national sides and stronger protection for existing football structures are needed.
Tebas warns that a larger World Cup would dilute the prestige of the event and strain resources of smaller football federations, potentially leading to financial instability and reduced competitiveness.
Future of FIFA Leadership
Infantino, who has held the FIFA presidency for a decade, is widely expected to seek a fourth term next year, but Tebas suggests that his tenure may be nearing its end, even though the likelihood of a contested election remains slim.
The La Liga chief observed that no opposition candidate has emerged, as few are willing to run on a platform that would likely result in defeat, leaving the current system unchallenged despite its perceived flaws.
Tebas described the existing structure as 'sick at the source' and argued that many stakeholders in America share his discontent with Infantino's actions but remain passive, highlighting a broader crisis in football governance.